Coastal Virginia Conservancy
– Doing the Most for the Coast!
Can you believe it’s been almost six months since the spring equinox, when the Living River Trust announced its name change to Coastal Virginia Conservancy? (See video “Introducing Coastal Virginia Conservancy” CLICK HERE) Although we have a new name, we retain our deep roots protecting land and water in Hampton Roads. CVC has a passion for conserving the natural beauty of our area and cleaning up our waterways for our community. CVC dramatically expanded its mission by expanding its service area to all of Hampton Roads and prioritizing land protection in underserved communities.
We hope to have your support for these key efforts – see donor information below- and please save the date for the CVC’s inaugural gala “Let Your Moon Shine” on October 20, 2023—We want to see you there!
In the past year, CVC has enhanced the Hampton Roads community, with projects like these:
Protect Land.
We now protect land in all Coastal Virginia, forever keeping environmentally sensitive land in its natural state as we did recently for Newton Neck Park – a new 88-acre waterfront public park in South Norfolk community of Chesapeake on the Elizabeth River. This park was needed to meet a deficit in public space in the adjacent residential communities and the area as a whole. The park opened in March 2023 and is already enjoyed by the community, with trails and planned water access in this underserved residential area of Chesapeake.
Without our work, this would not have been possible.
Next up: CVC is working with landowners in our expanded area on some great conservation projects . One project we are very excited about would provide wonderful new community open space in Coastal Virginia.
Beautiful potential land for conservation
Protect Neighborhoods
We have created brand-new conservation tools to protect neighborhoods together with our partner Wetlands Watch. The program protects land in frequently flooded areas through conservation. We are also working on tools to protect neighborhood open space through conservation.
Next up: CVC is working closely with Wetlands Watch and the Elizabeth River Project to conserve the ERP’s new Louis & Pru Ryan Resilience Lab through a unique “rolling easement” that adjusts to sea level rise changes over time
At the Louis & Pru Ryan Resilience Lab, Board Members Rob Robins, Mary Carson-Stiff, Mary Ann Saunders, Steve Jenkins and Karen Shaffer.
Restore Water Quality
We continue to protect water by cleaning up the river bottom through our award-winning restoration program, forever erasing past environmental damage as we did with the Paradise Creek project in Portsmouth. This massive cleanup, where tons of pollutants were removed, was completed in September 2022. Without our work restoring the river bottom, other measures such as wetlands and oyster restoration are incomplete. Clean water for the community who fish and recreate in Paradise Creek would not have been possible without our efforts. SEE VIDEO
Next Up: CVC’s Restoration Team is planning for the restoration of Scuffletown Creek in Chesapeake and new oyster reefs at Lambert’s Point.
Paradise Creek from the South Jordan Bridge
But there is so much still to do and time is critical. We know the needs of our community and environment are growing and we are eager to meet them. Doing “the most for the coast”, the Coastal Virginia Conservancy is poised to forever protect more land and water for life in Hampton Roads. We hope to have your support for these key efforts – see donor information below- and please save the date for the CVC’s inaugural gala “Let Your Moon Shine” on October 20, 2023-see details above.
Meet the CVC Board
CVC-Board Toast to the Coast, from left, Liz Friel, Director, Matt Wilbricht, Joe Thomas, Rob Robins, Mary Ann Saunders, Chair, Steve Jenkins, Randy Stokes, Jennifer Cool, and Rolston Audain. Not pictured: Karen Shaffer, Mary-Carson Stiff, Jody Wagner, and Edward Wolcott
CVC Board of Directors Meetings
September 20, 2023
December 13, 2023
Owen joins MaryAnn Saunders, Chair, Jennifer Cool, Fundraising Chair at Newton Neck
Meet Owen Tucker
The CVC was pleased to have Owen Tucker, a rising junior at William and Mary, onboard this summer as a full-time intern. Owen, who is studying Finance and Conservation, was a valuable addition, assisting with everything from financial policy work to helping Dave Koubsky, CVC Mitigation Manager, conduct the first sample tests at Paradise Creek.. Before he joined CVC this summer, Owen studied in the Netherlands and compared Coastal Virginia Conservancy’s mitigation credit system to those in the Netherlands. Please see the link here to read his findings. READ MORE
YOU make this all possible.
Please consider a pledge for support
Friends of the Coast
- $250 — River Friend -Recognition in Annual Report, Social Media, and Website.
- $500 — Bay Friend – Recognition in Annual Report, Social Media, and Website—Plus special CVC T Shirt.
- $1,000 — Ocean Friend- Recognition in Annual Report, Social Media, and Website -Plus special CVC Wine Tumbler.
Champions of the Coast
- $2,500 – Conserver of the Coast – Special Recognition at Event, 1 ticket to Inaugural Event – Plus 1 special CVC Wine Tumbler
- $5,000 – Steward of the Coast- Special Recognition at Event, 2 tickets to Inaugural Celebration Event -Plus 2 special CVC Wine Tumblers
- $10, 000 – Protector of the Coast -Special Recognition at Event, 5 tickets to Inaugural Celebration Event Plus 5 Wine Tumblers
Charter Members of Coastal Virginia Club
- $10,000 Annually for 5 years — Coastal Virginia’s Charter Club Membership, Special Charter Club Events, Special Recognition at Inaugural Celebration Event, Reserved Table at Event Plus 10 special CVC Wine Tumblers
Be a supporting member of CVC– $100
Photo by Robert Patrick – Sunset on clouds lower James River
Photo Contest
Show Your Love for Coastal Virginia
What do you love about Coastal Virginia? The tidal creeks, fishing, sunrise, wildlife, watching the cargo ships, or the gorgeous forest land and farms? Please share your photo that shows the best of Coastal Virginia HERE or on our Facebook page With your permission, we will share the photos online and the winners will be announced at the CVC’s Gala celebration.
Thank you and stay tuned!
